PHYS 402/502: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (Fall 2013)
Innovation Hall 206, Tue+Thu 3:00-4:15 pm
Course Description
Starting from the experimental basis, this course introduces the principles and postulates of quantum mechanics,
and presents the essential theoretical tools for understanding and analyzing quantum phenomena. The subjects
include: wavefunctions and Schrodinger equation, Hilbert space and operators, quantum linear harmonic
oscillator, angular momentum and spin, Hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, variational principle, WKB
approximation, etc.
Prerequisite: PHYS 308
Course Textbooks
• Introduction to quantum mechanics (second edition), David J. Griffiths, Prentice-Hall (2005).
Lectures
Predrag Nikolic
Office: Planetary Hall, Room 209
Phone: 703-993-5068
Email: pnikolic@gmu.edu
Web: http://physics.gmu.edu/~pnikolic/PHYS402/
Office Hours
Tue 4:30-5:30 pm (tentative), or by appointment
Grading
• Homework 40%, midterm exam 30%, final exam 30% (of the final score)
• The final letter grade is based on the final score and the overall class performance.
Homework
• Assigned once a week on Thursdays.
• Due at the beginning (3pm) of the following week's Thursday class. Solutions will be handed in class, so
no late homeworks can be accepted (without a valid medical excuse).
• Students registered for PHYS502 will have additional or different homework problems, appropriate for
the graduate level. Students registered for PHYS402 are not required to solve those problems.
• While working in small groups is encouraged, grades will be based on the evidence of original thinking.
All steps leading to the final results must be shown and explained for the full credit.
Exams
• Students registered for PHYS502 will have additional or different exam problems, appropriate for the
graduate level. Students registered for PHYS402 are not required to solve those problems.
• The use of literature is not permitted (closed book).
• A calculator may be needed for quantitative problems. However, the calculator must not have the ability
to store and display text, formulas, graphs, etc.
• Most problems will be similar to those given in homework assignments. The final exam will cover
topics from the entire course.
• It is the responsibility of each student to attend classes during scheduled examinations as listed in the
syllabus regardless of work or family considerations. Make-up exams will be given only to students with
a valid medical excuse and they should contact the instructor as soon as they return to school.
Important dates
Sep 03:
Sep 18:
Sep 27:
Sep 30 – Oct 25:
Dec 09–10:
Dec 10–18:
Last day to drop classes with no tuition penalty, last day to add classes
Last day to drop classes with 33% tuition penalty
Last day to drop classes with 67% tuition penalty, final drop deadline
Selective withdrawal period
Reading days
Exam period
Class, homework and exam schedule
Aug 27 Tue 1.
Aug 29 Thu 2. HOMEWORK 1 OUT
Sep 03 Tue 3.
Sep 05 Thu 4. HOMEWORK 1 IN, HOMEWORK 2 OUT
Sep 10 Tue 5.
Sep 12 Thu 6. HOMEWORK 2 IN, HOMEWORK 3 OUT
Sep 17 Tue 7.
Sep 19 Thu 8. HOMEWORK 3 IN, HOMEWORK 4 OUT
Sep 24 Tue 9.
Sep 26 Thu 10. HOMEWORK 4 IN, HOMEWORK 5 OUT
Oct 01 Tue 11.
Oct 03 Thu 12. HOMEWORK 5 IN, HOMEWORK 6 OUT
Oct 08 Tue 13.
Oct 10 Thu 14. HOMEWORK 6 IN
Oct 15 Tue
no class due to Columbus Day (Mon. classes meet on Tue.)
Oct 17 Thu 15. MIDTERM EXAM in class
Oct 22 Tue 16.
Oct 24 Thu 17. HOMEWORK 7 OUT
Oct 29 Tue 18.
Oct 31 Thu 19. HOMEWORK 7 IN, HOMEWORK 8 OUT
Nov 05 Tue 20.
Nov 07 Thu 21. HOMEWORK 8 IN, HOMEWORK 9 OUT
Nov 12 Tue 22.
Nov 14 Thu 23. HOMEWORK 9 IN, HOMEWORK 10 OUT
Nov 19 Tue 24.
Nov 21 Thu 25. HOMEWORK 10 IN, HOMEWORK 11 OUT
Nov 26 Tue 26.
Nov 28 Thu
Thanksgiving
Dec 03 Tue 27.
Dec 05 Thu 28. HOMEWORK 11 IN
Dec 12 Thu
FINAL EXAM, 1:30–4:15 pm